He bossed the bout from the start, with a barrage of early strikes that left Bisping with bruises under both eyes and secured takedowns in the the opening two rounds.

A further takedown in the third round saw St-Pierre go for the kill and he secured a win with a rear naked choke.

St-Pierre said in the ring afterwards, shown on UFC.com: "I don't have the words in my mouth right now, it is a dream come true.

Michael Bisping of England throws a punch against Georges St-Pierre of Canada in their UFC middleweight championship bout during the UFC 217 event at Madison Square Garden (Image: Getty Images North America)

"He hurt me hard, a few times I got stunned, I tried to hide it but I wouldn't like to do that fight again.

"This isn't really my real weight, I did it for the challenge, I'm still a welterweight size. It's about who has got the best technique, setting traps and intelligence. I was fighting a bigger man."

Michael Bisping of England lands a kick against Georges St-Pierre of Canada in their UFC middleweight championship bout during the UFC 217 event at Madison Square Garden (Image: Getty Images North America)

Bisping added: "You have got to give it to Georges, he was the better man. It's a hell of a squeeze he's got there. I'm not done, I know I spoke about retirement but Georges was the better man, no excuses."